Ecological Cookers: An essential Element in Bettering Household HealthDavid Whitfield V.
Executive Director Fundación CEDESOL
solar1@zuper.net
In a project report to the French environmental group A.D.E.M.E., scientist, Robert Chiron describes the project funded by his organization.
"A novel methodology developed by David and Ruth Whitfield was tested[26]. Efficient wood stoves, retained heat principles and solar cookers would be the "hardÓ part of the appropriate technology.
The "softÓ part, the ideas - were transmitted to participants through a week's hands on work shop blended with a substantial follow up period to "baby sitÓ the transformation while new cooking and use habits were formed.Ó As is explained in the report, that approach has been constantly modified to incorporate the lessons learned through the experiences acquired by the executors of the project from 2000 to early 2003. Nearly 1,000 cookers built, 800 persons trained and solid scientific data validate the effectiveness of the approach and methodology utilized in this project.
Participants were surveyed before the course, then every 2 months during their 6-month follow up training. Those results help document the ability of ecological cookers, such as solar cookers, highly efficient in terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions to participate within the framework of clean development, demonstrating their effectiveness in measurable terms.
The project proves that solar cookers can be assimilated into Bolivian culture (and presumably other similar cultures). A 65% or better fuel savings is demonstrated, which translates to a CO2 reduction of about 900 kilograms per year per cooker.
http://www.solarcooking.org/Ecocookers.htm |
